To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cari Boyce
Date: December 4, 2002 Phone: (919) 733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO STAY HOME
AVOID TRAVEL DURING WINTER STORM
Raleigh -- Because of the slick roads and icy weather conditions, Gov. Mike Easley is encouraging people in the Piedmont and Western part of the state to stay home and off the roadways until conditions improve.
“The best thing for people to do is stay inside, off the roads and out of harm’s way,” said Gov. Easley. “People should avoid traveling or venturing outside during this storm. Ice and snow on our roadways makes for dangerous travel conditions. I encourage everyone to put safety first.”
Many parts of the state are experiencing a combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain. There has already been one fatal car accident reported in Rowan County.
People who need information on road conditions should check www.ncsmartlink.org. 911 centers or State Highway Patrol offices should be contacted only in the event of an emergency.
Power outages are minimal at this time, but may increase overnight as ice accumulates. The State Emergency Response Team is monitoring conditions and prepared to respond to county requests for state resources.
Gov. Easley offered the following safety tips in the event of a power outage:
• Have blankets and extra warm clothing on hand;
• When using an alternate heat source (fireplace, wood stove, space heater) be sure to use fire safeguards and properly ventilate the room;
• Do not use charcoal grills indoors; and
• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when electricity is restored.
Currently, there is a shelter open in Old Fort, McDowell County, for travelers stranded on I-40. The shelter is located at Old Fort Baptist Church. Other shelters may be activated by county emergency personnel as necessary.
###

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cari Boyce
Date: December 4, 2002 Phone: (919) 733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO STAY HOME
AVOID TRAVEL DURING WINTER STORM
Raleigh -- Because of the slick roads and icy weather conditions, Gov. Mike Easley is encouraging people in the Piedmont and Western part of the state to stay home and off the roadways until conditions improve.
“The best thing for people to do is stay inside, off the roads and out of harm’s way,” said Gov. Easley. “People should avoid traveling or venturing outside during this storm. Ice and snow on our roadways makes for dangerous travel conditions. I encourage everyone to put safety first.”
Many parts of the state are experiencing a combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain. There has already been one fatal car accident reported in Rowan County.
People who need information on road conditions should check www.ncsmartlink.org. 911 centers or State Highway Patrol offices should be contacted only in the event of an emergency.
Power outages are minimal at this time, but may increase overnight as ice accumulates. The State Emergency Response Team is monitoring conditions and prepared to respond to county requests for state resources.
Gov. Easley offered the following safety tips in the event of a power outage:
• Have blankets and extra warm clothing on hand;
• When using an alternate heat source (fireplace, wood stove, space heater) be sure to use fire safeguards and properly ventilate the room;
• Do not use charcoal grills indoors; and
• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when electricity is restored.
Currently, there is a shelter open in Old Fort, McDowell County, for travelers stranded on I-40. The shelter is located at Old Fort Baptist Church. Other shelters may be activated by county emergency personnel as necessary.
###